The 26th China Fisheries and Seafood Expo (CFSE), which convened in the coastal city of Qingdao in Shandong Province from October 25 to 27, marked a significant milestone as it resumed in-person interactions after a hiatus imposed by the global pandemic. The expo, renowned as one of the premier events in the seafood industry calendar, welcomed representatives and exhibitors from around the globe to showcase their aquatic produce and explore business opportunities.
Distinguished among the international delegations was the team from Chile, led by Ambassador Mauricio Hurtado and Natalia Cortes, Trade Commissioner of ProChile Beijing. Their presence underscored Chile’s dedication to the expo and its ambitions within the Chinese market.
Natalia Cortes delivered remarks that brought to light the exemplary standards of Chilean seafood. She emphasized the sector’s commitment to health and safety, validated by the acquisition of prestigious international certifications. Cortes highlighted the immense nutritional value that Chilean seafood carries, a testament to the country’s pristine marine ecosystems and stringent quality controls.
Underpinning these observations was an explicit recognition of the CFSE’s strategic importance. Chile meticulously arranges for its enterprises and industry associations to participate annually, signifying the long-standing relationship and commitment to the Chinese market. The journey from Latin America to Qingdao is more than a business trip; it’s an annual pilgrimage that demonstrates Chile’s investment in building and maintaining strong trade relationships.
The 2023 iteration of the expo was particularly momentous for Chile. With a pavilion featuring 13 Chilean seafood companies and the prominent Chile Mussel, the country’s dedication to excellence was evident. This year was especially notable as it marked the first in-person attendance of Chilean companies at CFSE in the post-pandemic era, an opportunity they were keen to capitalize on.
The expo offered Chilean exhibitors a platform not just for showcasing their offerings but also for immersion in the cultural exchange intrinsic to international trade shows. Cortes voiced her anticipation for attendees to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Chilean culture, including its esteemed seafood, diverse culinary delights, celebrated wines, and broader cultural heritage.
Chilean participants, looking beyond mere transactions, were eager to engage with both longstanding partners and potential new clients. This face-to-face interaction is vital for understanding the evolving demands of the Chinese market, allowing Chilean businesses to refine their products and services to better cater to consumer preferences.
Moreover, the expo served as a conduit for cultural diplomacy, enhancing mutual understanding between Chile and China. Through direct dialogue, both nations had the opportunity to deepen their appreciation of each other’s business practices, consumer expectations, and cultural nuances.
The CFSE stands as a beacon for recovery and growth in the seafood industry, signaling a return to normalcy and the promise of flourishing international trade. For Chile, it was a reaffirmation of its role as a key player in the global seafood sector, committed to delivering quality, certified, and nutritionally rich products to tables around the world. The expo has not only been a springboard for commercial opportunities but also a reminder of the resilience and collaborative spirit that the seafood industry, and international trade at large, embodies.
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